Sequoia National Park. California. How to get to Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles and San Francisco on your own Sequoia Park California

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park in California is one of the unique places on our planet where the largest trees on Earth grow. Our article answers such questions: how to get to the Sequoia National Park, when is the best time to come and what to see.

Road to Sequoia National Park

Forget public transport. Without a car, you won’t get far in the States in general and in the Sequoia National Park in particular. Therefore, the best option for getting into the ancient forests is a rented car.
There are several ways to get into the park. Two of them are the most convenient.
— From Los Angeles take Hwy 5 to Bakersfield, then take Hwy 65 to Exter, then turn right onto Hwy 198. The town of Three Rivers is the last settlement before entering the national park. On the way 320-350 kilometers.

— From San Francisco exit east, get to the city of Mantica and turn southeast onto Highway 99. On it you reach the city of Fresno and again east on Highway 180. On the way a little longer, 360-380 km.

Seasons in Sequoia Park

Sequoia National Park is located in the mountains, so when everyone on the coast is already walking on the beaches, there is still snow here.

High season: June - September. It is warm, all roads are open, it is convenient to move in any direction. The only danger is fires. In the summer, fire is not uncommon here. Early September is a great time to visit the park. The children have already gone to school, there are fewer people than in summer, but it is still warm, and the likelihood of fires is reduced.

Low season: November-March. Snow, many roads are closed, you won't see much. But it's beautiful, snow and few people.

Off-season: April-May, October. Here's how lucky. I have met people who were cut off from the outside world by snowfalls in Sequoia at the beginning of May for several days. So carefully study the weather forecasts.

Landmarks in Sequoia National Park

— Moro Rock
Granite rock, which can be climbed quite easily by a carved staircase. Views of the surrounding area for five with a plus. Going to the top, do not deprive your attention of sheer cliffs, here you can see lurking squirrels. You can get to Moro Rock by car on weekdays, and on weekends and holidays you will have to leave your car in the parking lot and use the local shuttle bus. You will spend about an hour on a leisurely ascent and descent, and photographing the local beauty ...

— Crescent Meadow
This is a very picturesque meadow, surrounded by numerous paths. There are tables and you can stop for a small picnic. I would rate the views around at C grade. Therefore, come here only if you are tired, want to take a break and have a bite to eat. Including a picnic, plan an hour to visit the meadow.
For maniacs, there is a track for 1.5 -2 hours from here to the Great Western Divide and Eagle View points (views of the surrounding mountains). I didn’t go there and I can’t say anything about the views, but it seems to me that the views from Moro Rock are at least as good.

— Tunnel Log
One of the most famous attractions in the park. This is a tunnel cut through a fallen sequoia tree, through which you can drive a car. Very photogenic, on the Internet you can find a bunch of identical photos with this tunnel. Nevertheless, it is worth driving along it, it creates an additional feeling of visiting the park and once again emphasizes the huge size of the local trees. In our version, there were no cars around at all, and we drove inside the sequoia and took pictures in just five minutes.

— Parker Group Sequoias
A group of very picturesque stand-alone redwoods close to the famous Tunnel Log landmark. Despite its colorfulness, there are not very many people here (in early September we spent half an hour at this point in splendid isolation). The fact is that the most picturesque views of these sequoias are from the side of the forest, and from the road they are not so impressive. You need to leave the car on the road, go around the trees and go a little deeper into the forest. About half an hour is enough for amazing photos.

— Giant Forest Museum
Small and not very interesting museum. There is not much to see there (with the possible exception of various and signed cones - so that you can navigate later when you find them in the forest). But this place is one of the few with little infrastructure. Museum, toilets, souvenir shop, huge parking lot. From here there are shuttles to Moro Rock (on weekends you can only use them to get to the rock), and to other points in the park. Here you can leave the car and start using public transport, at least for a while.
Near the museum stands one of the Sentinel's "nominal" giant trees. If you haven't seen Sherman and Grant yet, Sentinel will certainly make a strong impression.

— Big Tree Trail
Located near the Giant Forest Museum (five to seven minutes walk). One of the most interesting hiking trails in the entire park. It is a looping path that passes by huge redwoods and past recreational areas where you can admire the rare sight of young light green redwoods. Stunning views, huge trees, unique photographs. Definitely a must see in this park. Book an hour and a half if you decide to take a walk here.

— General Sherman Tree
The largest (by volume) tree on our planet! It is simply impossible to miss this. Be prepared for a large number of people at almost any time of the year. The right decision would be to leave the car in the parking lot at the Giant Forest Museum and get here by shuttle bus, since the shuttle stops directly at Sherman, and if you go by car, you will still have to stomp about half a kilometer from the Sherman parking lot to the sequoia itself. You will spend half an hour at the tree itself no less.

— Congress Trail
Another picturesque track located near General Sherman. It is not as impressive as the Big Trees Trail, but its absolute plus is its very low popularity and, as a result, the lack of people. If you have enough time, then combine a visit to Sherman with this track. The trail can be covered in two hours…

— Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave, a very unusual attraction for a park of huge trees. It is located a little away from the main routes, which does not add to its popularity. From my point of view, this cave is not surprising, so we did not go there. For all those interested in speleology in any form, welcome to the official website of Crystal Cave

– General Grant Tree Trail
But this, not very big, track can not be skipped. It seemed to us that it was here that the maximum concentration of the largest redwoods. In addition to the "named" giant - General Grant, there is a fallen tree, inside which 150 years ago, local settlers organized their first housing in these parts. You can look at photographs of 150 years ago, and then climb through the "cave" inside a fallen tree. The visit to Grant and his company will take about an hour.

Map

For your convenience, I am posting a map of the national park with the most interesting sights.


Of course, this modest list is not limited to the attractions of the national park. There are still a lot of tracks, lookouts, “named” trees (including the famous President), but in this short review I tried to highlight the very best that you can see in one or two days, being in the unique and stunning Sequoia National Park, in the state California…

Yours sincerely, TravelerDmitry …

Ask us a question about a trip to the USA or Sequoia National Park, we will definitely answer you!

Sequoia National Park is located in the United States, in the south of the Sierra Nevada, east of the city of Visalia, California. It was founded in 1890 and became the third in the country after Yellowstone (1872) and Makino (1875). Every year, the reserve is visited by millions of tourists from all over the world who want to look at the main natural wonder of the park - giant sequoia trees, as well as at the picturesque rocky landscape, which has both caves and reservoirs in its arsenal.

The area of ​​the park is 1635 sq. km.

The park attracts the attention of lovers of wildlife and secluded recreation, for which it has all the conditions: tourist parking, parking, organized excursions. Along the park there are trails that allow you to travel by car.

Attractions

The park is best known for its giant sequoias. Two species grow here: giant and evergreen. famous tree "General Sherman"- it is one of the largest on earth (age - about 2500 years, height - 83.8 m, weight - 1900 tons, trunk volume 1487 cubic meters). It grows in Giant Forest in the company of five more huge trees.

Redwoods occupy a relatively small area, while the rest is covered by a majestic mountain range with canyons, lakes and waterfalls. This area is characterized by large elevation differences: from 400 m in the foothills to 4,421 m at the top whitney mountains- the highest point in the contiguous 48 states.

Another notable place is Tunnel Log. This is a tunnel cut through the trunk of a fallen sequoia. Cars of visitors, including minivans, calmly pass through it. A giant tree lies across the road, creating the feeling of a suspension bridge - it is so huge. That is why it was easier to cut a tunnel than to saw and remove a sequoia from the road, but now the number of attractions has been replenished with an unusual object that tourists love very much.

The park is famous not only for trees, but also for caves. There are about 250 of them in total, the deepest of which stretches for 32 kilometers. However, tourists are allowed only in crystal cave(5.5 km), it is the second largest and longest in the park. The rest of the caves are accessible only to speleologists.

In the central part of the park rises Mount Moro Rock (Moro Rock). In the 1930s, a staircase was laid to the top of the cliff. From a height of 2050 meters above sea level, a breathtaking panorama of the vast territory of the reserve opens up.

The park is home to many species of animals, including bobcats, coyotes, black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer, which can be seen simply by leisurely strolling through the forest. Animals are in their natural habitat and do not pay any attention to people, allowing themselves to be photographed and examined.

The park is called the best place for family and ecological recreation in the United States. 1300 km of hiking trails have been laid along it. In the warm season, horseback riding, fishing, cycling are practiced here; in winter, opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing open up.

How to get to Sequoia National Park

Walks to the park shuttle from the nearest town of Visalia. It can be reached by Greyhound bus. The shuttle leaves every hour from 06.00 to 18.30, but runs only in the summer - at this time the largest flow of tourists. The ticket costs $15 (round-trip), while the entrance to the park is already included in the price, which is certainly beneficial. A seat on the bus must be booked in advance on the shuttle website.

But still the best option is rented automobile: the most convenient way, giving mobility and freedom. On the territory of the park there are tourist parking lots and parking lots near the main attractions, the roads are smooth and comfortable.

You can get to the park from the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is located approximately between them. The national park can be accessed from two directions:

• Take Highway 198 via South Park Entrance - Ash Mountain
• On Highway 180 through the northwest entrance of Big Stump, which is located on the territory of the neighboring Kings Canyon Park, in this case it is convenient to start your inspection from the neighboring park.

The entrances are located 75 kilometers from each other, they are connected by the famous Generals Road in California.

Important point: there is nowhere to fill up the car in the park, so you need to take care of this issue in advance, before entering the territory.

Route from Los Angeles - Google Maps:

From San Francisco:

Video review of the Sequoia National Park:

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The area of ​​the park is 1635 sq km. It is known for the fact that on its territory there are the highest, giant sequoia trees. They got their name in honor of the leader of the Cherokee Sequoia Indians. The park has a mountainous terrain, rising from a height of about 400 m above sea level in the foothills, to the top of the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states, Mount Whitney, with a height of 4,421 m.

Redwoods feel comfortable here because they love the moisture that sea fogs bring from the Pacific Ocean. Usually, giant sequoias reach a height of 100 m, up to 11 m in diameter. The average life expectancy of this huge living organism is estimated at 4,000 years. The bark of the trees is thick, fibrous, not amenable to combustion. When touched, the palm seems to sink into the wood, creating unusual sensations.

Two types of sequoias grow here: giant and evergreen (mahogany). These are huge trees - more than 100 m in height and up to 10 m in girth, their age reaches 2-4 thousand years.

An interesting size comparison can be seen on souvenirs sold at the local visitor center. Here, for example, is a magnet with the ratio of redwoods and sights familiar to everyone:

But best of all, the scale of the trees is conveyed by a nearby person. For example me:

Or, here, a fallen huge tree. The photo shows that it is just big, but against the background of the forest it is not clear how much:

But as soon as a person climbs on it, everything becomes immediately clear:

Another fallen tree.

The largest tree in the world is General Sherman. The first tree in terms of volume and mass on Earth. The height of the "General Sherman" is 83.8 m, the weight is estimated at 1910 tons (and this is an estimate of 1938), the volume of the trunk is 1487 m³, the age is 2300-2700 years:

At the foot of the trees it is difficult to assess their true size. For me, everything is so incredibly large:

Even these four instances near the parking lot seem like huge giants in comparison with cars:

In addition to redwoods, ordinary coniferous trees grow in the park. The views are sometimes very picturesque:

Hello! Today I'm talking about how we traveled to sequoia national park- one of the most interesting natural attractions on the West Coast of the United States, located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Every year, several million tourists come here to look at the giant sequoias, which grow only in the United States, and especially General Sherman- the largest tree in the world. In the summer, when all roads are open, there are quite a lot of people in Sequoia Park. And since this was already our second trip to Sequoia National Park, when preparing for the trip, we took into account all the mistakes of the last visit, when we simply rushed along the Highway of the Generals in order not to walk with crowds of visitors, among which it is quite difficult to push through on weekends. This time we came here in the fall and devoted 2 whole days to the giant sequoias in California.

In my article, I will tell you in detail about where the Sequoia National Park is located, how we arrived by car from Los Angeles, spending the night on the way in a good hotel in Bakersfield, where we chose a place to sleep in the park, which we managed to see in two days and where we went afterwards. We liked Sequoia Park in the USA so much that we decided to make a detailed guide to this amazing place. Of course, I will show you our photos of gigantic sequoia trees and other beauties of this national park, as well as advice on how best to inspect it in order to see as many interesting things as possible.

Sequoia National Park Official Website: www.nps.gov/seki

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Short story

Native American Indians lived in the area that later became California's Sequoia National Park for thousands of years, but its modern history did not begin until the mid-19th century. Farmers and settlers began settling in the region around 1860, moving from the east coast of the continent to the west coast, traveling thousands of miles, and establishing a ferry across the previously impassable Grand Canyon in Arizona to take advantage of the more fertile land and rich natural resources of California.

Conservation enthusiasts such as famed naturalist John Muir have helped protect the lands of Sequoia National Park from massive logging. On September 25, 1890, a law was passed in the US Congress giving the park such a high status in order to preserve it in its original form for posterity.

Description of the park

sequoia park in the USA is interesting primarily because you can see the largest living organisms in the world - giant sequoias, which are officially called giant sequoiadendron or mammoth tree. On its territory there are high mountain peaks, deep canyons and a whole system of branched caves, as well as alpine meadows, formed as a result of long geological processes, lakes and rivers. A unique ecosystem that has been formed over millennia presents practically unlimited opportunities to everyone who appreciates nature.

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Where does the sequoia grow in the USA

The territory of this national park is so vast that you can easily spend several days here with interest, constantly discovering something new. Most of it is absolutely wild, that is, a real paradise for people of all ages who love to go hiking in nature. The Generals Highway passes through the entire Sequoia Park, which connects the Foothills, Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, as well as the Sequoia National Forest separating them.

Map of districts in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Climbing Mount Moro Rock, we were finally convinced that the founders of the protection and conservation of nature were somewhat right, who did everything possible at the end of the 19th century to create the Sequoia National Park. From the top, we had amazing views that are quite difficult to describe in words, you just need to see them.

At the observation deck Moro Rock in the clouds!

• In the north of Sequoia Park, at an altitude of about 2 km above sea level, there is a plateau called the Giant Forest, where tall thousand-year-old sequoia trees rise above their more modest forest neighbors. In the center of this coniferous forest, in which, by the way, black bears live, you can see General Sherman- the largest tree in the world, whose height reaches 83.8 m, and the trunk weighs about 1385 tons, reaching a girth of 31.4 m.
• To the west are dry foothills descending to the San Joaquin Valley, on which you will no longer meet coniferous giants. But there, in absolutely wild areas, there are numerous thickets of California black oak and yucca bushes, among which many wild animals live - lynxes, cougars and foxes, deer, gophers and rattlesnakes. Previously, Californian grizzlies lived here, the last representative of which in Sequoia Park was, unfortunately, killed in 1922.
• To the south is the canyon of the Kaweah River, descending from the foothills (Foothills and Mineral King) more than 1.5 kilometers down. Mountain meadows inhabited by small inhabitants stretch along it.
• In the east, the territory of Sequoia Park gradually rises, and the vegetation changes to mountainous. Basically, different types of pine and spruce grow here, as well as fir and juniper. In the distance, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the mountains that make up the Great Western Divide system and Kawea Peak, reaching a height of 4207 meters. Mount Whitney is also located there, but it is impossible to see it from here.

View from Moro Rock in Sequoia Park

Thus, in Sequoia Park you can see not only the big trees for which most tourists come here (more than 1.5 million people a year), but also the high mountain peaks of the longest mountain range in North America, as well as deep canyons and stunningly beautiful at any time of the year, nature, striking the eye with its magnificent landscapes. Wild animals in the park are also not uncommon. We saw both deer and bears quite close.

Road to Sequoia National Park

Where is

Let's move on to the most relevant question for travelers - where is the Sequoia Park? As I wrote above, it is located in the state of California, approximately in the middle between the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Sequoia National Park can be accessed from two directions:

• On Highway 198 via Ash Mountain South Entrance;
• On Highway 180 through the northwest entrance of the Big Stump, which is located on the territory of neighboring Kings Canyon Park.

For reference: Distance between Ash Mountain and Big Stump entrances Road of the Generals(Generals Highway), which connects two California national parks - Sequoia and Kings Canyon, is 75 km (about 2 hours by car). By the way, the second largest tree on Earth grows in Kings Canyon - General Grant. On this road, you can ride free shuttles (but only within each of the parks), leaving your car in one of the parking lots, for example, near the visitor center or next to the museum (Giant Forest Museum).

Distance to Sequoia National Park and time, how much to go to enter its territory from different cities and other US parks:

Recommendation: Since there are no gas stations in Sequoia National Park, it is a good idea to fill up a full tank of gas before entering its territory, for example, in the town of Three Rivers on Highway 198 before the south entrance to the park or in Dunlap, located on Highway 198 20 miles west of Grant Grove. If you suddenly run out of gas right in Sequoia Park, then you can buy a small amount of it at Wuksachi Lodge or at Grant Grove Market. You can also charge your electric car there if you decide to drive around the national parks in a Tesla.

A trip through Sequoia Park is very interesting and exciting!

How to get there

• First, you can get by bus Greyhound to the city of Visalia, where to transfer to the Sequoia Shuttle.
• Secondly, reach by train Amtrak to the city of Hanford, which is located 36 km from Visalia. Then, from the station, take a bus to the Visalia Transit Center, where you will once again transfer to the shuttle bus going to Sequoia Park.
• Third , by car, as did we and most of the other visitors to the park. Since the park has two entrances, it is more convenient to enter from Los Angeles along Route 198, passing by the cities of Visalia and Three Rivers, and from San Francisco along Route 180, through the large city of Fresno. It is better to rent a car immediately at the airport; it is most convenient to choose offers for the USA on the website www.rentalcars.com.

Those tourists who are going to visit Sequoia in the summer and will live next to the park in one of the hotels in Visalia or in Three Rivers will be very convenient to use Visalia Route shuttle for a trip to the park. The round-trip fare is only $15, and that price already includes the entrance fee to Sequoia National Park. Shuttle operating hours: from 6:00 to 18:30. Reservations required at www.sequoiashuttle.com or by calling 877-BUS-HIKE.

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Ticket price

A visit to the Sequoia National Park is paid for everyone who came to it. Here are the prices there:

• Weekly ticket - $30 per car;
• Weekly ticket - $25 per motorcycle or scooter;
• Weekly ticket - $15 per pedestrian or cyclist;
• Annual pass to Sequoia Park - $50;
• Annual subscription to all US national parks - $80.

You can buy a ticket at the entrance to the park, or in advance on the website www.yourpassnow.com.

We started our acquaintance with Sequoia Park with a visit to the Foothills Visitor Center

visitor centers

Sequoia National Park is open year-round, seven days a week. You can enter its territory around the clock. It has several visitor centers, which for the convenience of visitors are located in different parts of the park:

• Foothills Visitor Center located at the southern entrance to the park, convenient for those who come from Los Angeles. Opening hours: from 8:00 to 16:30;
• Kings Canyon Visitor Center- on Highway 180, on which you can leave the park to the west. Works in summer from 8:00 to 17:00, and in winter from 9:00 to 16:00;
• Lodgepole Visitor Center- in the middle of Sequoia Park on the Generals Highway, open in summer from 7:00 to 16:30;
• Giant Forest Museum- Sequoia Museum in the Giant Forest, from 9:00 to 18:00 in summer and until 16:30 in winter.
• Cedar Grove Visitor Center- in the center of Kings Canyon Park, which has a common territory with Sequoia. Open during the warm season from 9:00 to 17:00;
• Mineral King Ranger Station- in the remote and little-visited southern part of Sequoia Park, open only in summer from 8:00 to 16:00.

Weather and seasons

Since Sequoia Park is located in the mountains, the weather here can change very quickly, and with a change in altitude, the air temperature also changes quite seriously. It often happens that literally within half an hour a rain cloud can come or even snow can pass, and the sun will come out again. Therefore, before going to the park, we recommend that you be sure to look at all the warnings on the official website, and start your visit by visiting the visitor center to find out from the rangers the weather forecast for the current day and dress accordingly.

Keep in mind that Sequoia National Park usually has fairly hot and dry summers, while winters can be snowy and quite cold. In autumn and spring, the weather is quite changeable, so take waterproof clothes and good trekking shoes with you for a hike in the park.

• Summer (July, August, early September)
  The air temperature in the groves with sequoias is the most comfortable for exploring the forest giants. It doesn't rain often and the air is warm. In the foothills, on the contrary, it is very hot and dry. Since many parents come to Sequoia with their children during the holiday season, the Rangers provide many free tours and educational programs for everyone. In summer, it is best to plan your visit to the park for a few days. But keep in mind that due to the large influx of visitors in the park, traffic is often difficult and it is difficult to find a place to park a car. In addition, visitor centers will have to queue, and places in campsites and lodges must be booked in advance.
• Autumn (late September, October, November)
  Nights from mid-September become cool, frosts occur at night (we experienced this firsthand). And during the day it is still quite warm, up to +20..22°C. Therefore, layered clothing is useful. The park is becoming less crowded, and this is the best time to go to Sequoia Park for a short time. The weather often changes during the day, gusts of wind occur, warm days are followed by cool ones. Starting from October, snow sometimes falls in the mountains. Access to the Crystal Cave karst cave may be closed as early as October.
• Winter (December to March)
  With the advent of snowfalls in Sequoia Park, it becomes cold and peaceful, and the flow of tourists becomes many times less than in summer. Many trails close until the end of spring. But you won't be bored, because the rangers arrange various outdoor events for visitors. Those who rent a car should take care of the chains on the wheels for trips along the mountain roads in the park. Some roads in the park (including the one leading to Kings Canyon) are closed throughout the winter, while others may be temporarily closed due to snow or ice. But in the foothills it gets a little cool and the ideal time for hiking comes, the hills are covered with green vegetation and some flowers bloom from January.
• Spring (April to June)
  Since redwood groves are usually still covered with snow in spring, and rivers and streams become full and dangerous, this is not the best time to visit this national park. Snowfalls occasionally occur, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading to the park. At this time of the year, mountain roads in the park may require chains. Warm weather gradually takes its toll and wild flowers begin to bloom on the foothills in May. In May, a cave in Sequoia Park opens to visitors - Crystal Cave.

The peak of attendance falls on two summer months - July and August. Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park- early autumn immediately after the celebration of Labor Day, when the flow of tourists and vacationers decreases, and the weather is still comfortable enough not only for a visit to the redwoods, but also for walking along streams and waterfalls. This is the most suitable time for the first acquaintance with the park. Although, in truth, Sequoia Park is beautiful and interesting at any time of the year, and every nature lover is sure to discover something special in it.

Attractions

Almost all of the most popular ones are located near highways, so you won’t have to put any extra effort to see them. But since there are quite a few interesting places in the park, and the distances between them are not small, it will take a lot of time to travel around the park by car or shuttle. I must say right away that you won’t be able to see them all in one day, so you should choose the most interesting ones or stay in the park (or next to it) for the night.

• Tunnel Rock- This is a massive granite cobblestone located on the Generals Highway, 2.5 km from the Foothill Visitor Center, which broke away from the rock and fell flat, forming a natural bridge. Previously, a road to Sequoia Park passed right under it, but in 1997, during the reconstruction, it was allowed to bypass it. Tunnel Rock is a great backdrop for amazing photos, so don't miss it!

  

  Until recently, all visitors to Sequoia Park passed under this rock.

• Hospital Rock- Indians used to live here, who left behind a cultural heritage. There are ancient petroglyphs and beautiful views of the canyon of the Kavea River.
• Giant Forest Museum— expositions tell everything about redwoods and their world.
• – the trail starts from the Museum and runs along the best sequoia trees in the Giant Forest. Its length is 2 km. It is here that the vast majority of tourists look at sequoias. You can also sometimes see bears here.
• is a granite rock that dominates the surrounding area, which is located next to the valley of the Crescent Meadows. At its top there is an observation platform, from which panoramic views of a significant part of the territory of the Sequoia Park open. It can be reached on foot from the Museum, a distance of about 2.5 km.

  

• hanging stone (Hanging Rock)- a fairly simple trail leads to it, only 500 meters there and back.
• Sequoia Tunnel (Tunnel Log)- one of the most popular places in Sequoia Park, where you can drive a car through a giant tree and take a cool photo.
• Crescent Meadow Valley- a great place for a walk and a picnic! John Muir referred to this place as "the pearl of the Sierra". It's worth going to the house. Tharp's Log or look at a tree with a pipe chimney tree(the length of the trail is about 3 km). On the trail Sugar Pine Trail the biggest bumps we've ever seen are lying around. She smoothly transitions into Bobcat Point Trail, from where the best view of Moro Rock opens (the length of the circular route is 3 km). This is where it starts High Sierra Trail 60 miles long, which leads to Mount Whitney. The observation deck is only 1.5 km away. eagle view.
• located in the heart of Sequoia National Park. All the largest trees are collected here, including General Sherman. Therefore, there are always a lot of people here, many of whom come here just for the sake of a photo with the largest tree in the world. This is where the circle starts Trail Congress Loop 3.2 km long, where you can see the 4th largest tree in the world - the Presidential Tree, and the fifth largest - the Lincoln Tree. And not far away is the Washington Tree, which was the second giant in the world until it broke in 2007, passing the baton to the General Grant tree in Kings Canyon National Park (it grows in Grant Grove - Grant Grove).
• Crystal Cave- one of the most unusual sights in the Sequoia National Park. In a cave with stalactites discovered in 1918, an underground river flows along beautiful marble formations. The entrance to the cave is paid - $ 18, and you can see it only as part of an organized tour lasting an hour and a half.
• Tokopah Falls- the highest of all waterfalls in Sequoia National Park. A not very difficult trail with a length of 6.2 km (round trip) with a climb of 190 meters leads to it. It begins at Lodgepole Campground and runs along one of the tributaries of the Kawea River.

Of course, you ask, which of these attractions are the best? Rangers at the visitor center recommend that if you only have a few hours, which you plan to spend in Sequoia Park, here's what you need to do:

1. View the General Sherman Tree;
2. Walk through the Giant Forest and visit the Museum (Giant Forest);
3. Drive through the tunnel in a fallen sequoia (Tunnel Log);
4. Climb to the observation deck on the rock Morro Rock (Moro Rock).

Other points of interest and trails can be viewed as well, depending on personal preference and how much time you have scheduled to visit Sequoia National Park. Maybe you want to visit the cave Crystal Cave, see a beautiful waterfall Tokopah Falls or go to an unusual home Tharp's Log, built right inside the trunk of a fallen sequoia? Well, go for it, but remember that in order to spend the night in the wilderness, you will have to first obtain a permit from the ranger.

Full map of Sequoia National Park (clickable!)

Where to stay near Sequoia National Park

Sequoia Park is a very popular place with tourists, so staying near the park will cost more than a night in a roadside motel somewhere on the highway. You might be surprised that the price for a seemingly ordinary hotel room right at the entrance to the park can be as high as $500 (especially if you have not booked a hotel in advance). Therefore, when planning your trip, we advise you to choose the hotel that suits you, as we did on the website www.booking.com.

Lodges in Sequoia Park

Settling in a quiet place in nature, choosing a cool room with a beautiful view or renting a separate house, is not a problem at all. It would be a desire and opportunity to book accommodation in advance.

Sequoia Park consists of several areas, each of which has campsites for those who want to spend the night in a tent in nature in the open air or in a caravan.

Camping in Foothills at an altitude of 600-1000 meters:

• Potwisha Campground - open all year. 40 sites. The cost is $22.
• Buckeye Flat - open until the end of September. 28 places. The price is $22.
• South Fork - open all year. 10 sites. There is no drinking water. The cost is $12.

Campgrounds in Lodgepole at an altitude of more than 2000 meters in the forest

• Lodgepole - open until the end of November. 203 sites. $22. Nearby there are paid showers and a visitor center. We spent the night here ourselves. This is a good campsite. During the summer months and early autumn, reservations must be made in advance online.
• Dorst Creek - open early September. 212 sites. The cost is $22.

Campgrounds in Miniral King at an altitude of 2000 to 2200 meters (without electricity).

• Atwell Mill - 21 seats, cost $12, open until the end of October.
• Cold Springs - 40 seats, costs $12, open until the end of October.

Camping reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov.

Trails

Although most tourists do not go further than a couple of hundred meters from the main attractions, Sequoia Park definitely has where to take a walk, because in it, just imagine, there are more 1200 km routes for walks and hikes! Many interesting and not very difficult trails, branching off from paved parking lots, pass through sequoia groves, through mountain meadows, as well as along rivers and streams. They are great for all visitors to experience California wildlife and enhance the Sequoia experience. But most of the hiking routes in the Sierra Nevada mountains are more difficult, designed for several days and require serious preparation.

We ourselves went to trails in different areas of the park: we got acquainted with nature on its foothills and watched petroglyphs on the rocks, explored giant forest at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, visited two generals - grant And Sherman, climbed to the main observation deck Moro Rock and got to know. But even for the three days that we spent in total in Sequoia, we did not have time to go to its famous crystal cave and take a walk to the waterfalls, as well as to the side Mount Whitney. So this park is definitely designed for more than one visit, so do not hesitate to decide whether it is worth going to it at all, but just choose the most interesting thing for yourself in it and go for a walk!

In our articles, we talk in detail about the most interesting trails in sequoia park:

• Trail to Moro Rock;
• Big Tree Trail;
• Trail to the tree General Sherman.

See all trails in Sequoia National Park.

shuttles

For the convenience of visitors to Sequoia Park in the summer, free buses run through its most popular area - the Giant Forest (they are called in America by the word shuttle), along a strictly defined route with stops near the most popular attractions and at the beginning of the trails. With the help of shuttles, you can quickly explore the most popular places in the park, especially if you do not want to stray far from the road and do not want to be distracted by trails leading into the wild forest to the bears.

Shuttles in Sequoia Park they work only in summer during daylight hours and will also be convenient for those tourists who want to avoid traffic jams and problems with finding parking for their car.

Sequoia Shuttle routes

There are 4 free shuttle routes in Sequoia Park:

• Green Route 1: Giant Forest
  Opening hours: from 8:00 to 18:00, buses run every 15 minutes.
  Stops: Lodgepole - General Sherman Tree Parking - General Sherman Tree Trail - Giant Forest Museum.
• Gray Route 2: Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow
  Opening hours: from 8:00 to 18:00, buses run every 10-20 minutes.
  On weekends and holidays, private cars are prohibited on this route.
  Stops: Giant Forest Museum - Moro Rock (on the outbound trip) - Crescent Meadow - Auto Log (on weekends and holidays) - Tunnel Log (on weekends and holidays).
• Purple Route 3: Lodgepole/ Wuksachi
  Opening hours: from 8:00 to 18:00, buses run every 20 minutes.
  Stops: Lodgepole Visitor Center and Campground - Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant - Dorst Campground.
• Orange Route 4: General Sherman Tree Trails
  Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00, buses run every 20 minutes.
  Stops: General Sherman Tree Main Trail and Parking - General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail - Wolverton Trailhead and Picnic Area.

How to use the shuttle in Sequoia Park:

• It is convenient to leave the car in one of the parking lots at the Museum and go first to General Sherman, then go along the trail and get off at the Generals Road, where you take the shuttle again and go towards Moro Rock. It's easier than climbing up to the start of the trail.
• You can also drive from Moro Rock to the trailhead at Crescent Meadow and then back to the museum. The main thing is to remember the time of the shuttles and not to be late for the last bus.

It is important to know: there are no shuttles that run from Sequoia Park to Kings Canyon Park. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Wilderness

The Sequoia National Park includes the so-called wild territories (Wilderness). It should be borne in mind that in the wild territories there are special rules for everyone who comes there. You can get acquainted with them and get a permit to visit some areas of the park, for example, to hike to Mount Whitney, or where permission is required, including overnight stay, at the visitor center or at a special ranger station (Ranger Station). Permits are subject to summer quotas and cost $15, so you can download the application form and mail it in advance to [email protected] , after which you will have to pay for it, and then pick it up at one of the visitor centers of the park during the visit.

Where to eat

You can eat outdoors in Sequoia National Park at special picnic spots - Picnic Area. They are equipped with comfortable tables and wooden benches, a barbecue area, a metal box to hide food from the bear, as well as toilets and even in some places there is drinking water and shelter from the sun.

• In Foothills there are 2 equipped picnic areas: Foothills and Hospital Rock;
• In Lodgepole and Giant Forest there are 5 picnic spots: Wolverton, Pinewood, Lodgepole, Halstead Meadow and Crescent Meadow;
• In Grant Grove there are 3 picnic areas: Big Stump, Columbine and Panoramic Point;
• And there is another picnic area next to the visitor center Mineral King.

For the convenience of tourists, all turns to picnic areas are equipped with special road signs, as well as marked on the official map of the park and in the guide to the park, which is given at the entrance.

Mobile communication, Internet Wi-Fi, GPS

Almost throughout the Sequoia National Park no mobile connection, so be prepared for the fact that reading news on the Internet, posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram, and calling your family and friends is unlikely to work. So when you enter the park, it's best to just turn off your phone right away. In case of a threat to life and health, you need to contact any ranger, he will help you call the 911 rescue service. There are also pay phones near the visitor centers and lodges.

As for free wireless the Internet, then you should not look for it in the visitor centers, since it is not there. However, connect to wifi available in lodges, some restaurants and shops. Naturally, all Wi-Fi points are password-protected, so you will have to use the service or negotiate with their owners.

GPS signal in Sequoia Park is often distorted, so you should not rely solely on the navigator in your phone or car, but should be guided by road signs, trail signs and information boards, or a pocket compass.

Mail

Mailbox in Sequoia Park located in Lodgepole Village behind the visitor center and shop. Here you can send your letter or postcard at any time of the day.

small Postal office works at Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon Park. Mail is located in the same building as the store, next to the visitor center, and is open 24 hours a day for dispatch. You can receive the parcel during the day, check the opening hours on the spot. To forward mail and resupply packages for hikers, use the following address: c/o General Delivery, Kings Canyon NP, CA 93633. 559-335-2499

It is important to know: Now in all national parks in the United States where bears (and Sequoia is one of them) rangers urge all visitors to take the bear threat very seriously and carry a special spray can with them while walking, as well as always securely hide everything edible. Therefore, at every place in campsites and picnic areas, as well as before the start of the trail, there are metal boxes with a special lock that bears cannot open, intended for food and garbage.

Helpful advice: When visiting Sequoia Park, be especially careful not to leave anything edible in the car, as American black bears sometimes get into cars quite easily to feast on food left by careless tourists.

The best way to see Sequoia Park in 1, 2 and 3 days

Our experience of visiting the Sequoia National Park suggests that it is most convenient to enter the park through the city of Three Rivers and gradually gain altitude.

• First, you should take the cards in Foothill visitor center(it works from 8:00 to 16:30) and find out all the information about what is happening in the park today and what plants and animals can be found at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. And then go further and take a picture at Stone-Tunnel. Near the Potwisha campsite, a 6 km long, rather difficult climb trail begins, leading to cascading waterfalls. Marble Falls. If there is time, desire and strength - why not? And on your return you can have a snack at Hospital Rock.
• Next up is some serious climbing. The road is mountainous and winding, so drive carefully. If you bought a tour in advance Crystal Cave, then turn onto the road to the cave.
• The next step is to visit giant forest. The best place to start is with a visit to Museum. And then take a walk between the gigantic sequoias. There are three trails to choose from: Big Trees(length 1 km), where we saw a she-bear with a cub, to General Sherman(800 meters) or Congress Trail(3 km).
• Another unforgettable way to see Sequoia Park - from a height - is climbing a cliff Moro Rock. And, of course, hardly anyone wants to leave the park without passing through the nearby tree tunnel, and without taking a memorable photo there.

How many days should I allocate to visit the Sequoia in the US itinerary?

• In principle, all these adventures can be packed into one day, if you abandon the waterfalls of Marble Falls and the Crystal Cave.
• If you definitely want to go on this difficult hike to the Marble Falls and you have already booked a visit to the cave, set aside 2 days for Sequoia.
• In addition, if you are a hiker, you can add Tokopa Falls (near Lodgepole) and trails at Crescent Meadow. But then you will need three days to visit the Sequoia National Park.

These are the secrets I share with you. I hope your visit to Sequoia National Park in California is as exciting as ours!

Despite the cold weather, Sequoia Park was very beautiful during our visit. A little fog had its own charm, autumnal. And we enjoyed visiting a number of its attractions and went on several trails:

• rock tunnel
• Hospital Rock and petroglyphs
• Giant Forest Museum
• We walked along the Big Tree Trail and met bears!
• Climbing Moro Rock
• Drove under the tree tunnel
• We visited the largest tree on Earth - General Sherman!

We spent the night at the wonderful Lodgepole camping, despite the frosts. It turned out that the equipment was chosen correctly and did not freeze. I am glad that in America it is very easy to buy great things for camping and be able to spend nights in nature: look at the stars and breathe in the mountain air. Although this, of course, is such a contrast: only we were in the city, where the heat is 30 degrees, but now we are already in the mountains among gigantic trees and snow is falling. And that's all within the same state of California.

After seeing the sights of Sequoia National Park, we went to the neighboring Kings Canyon Park, where you can also admire the growing giants in the most accessible part of this national park, Grant Grove. But in general we had a big plan for trails in Kings Canyon.

Photos of Sequoia Park

One glance is not enough to see the largest tree in the world. Who is in a cap - keep a hat!

Our review of Sequoia Park in the USA

Since our first trip to Sequoia Park in the USA was rather short, and we only had time to walk through the Giant Forest and see General Sherman, we prepared more thoroughly for the second trip and planned two whole days for the visit. And although we were not very lucky with the weather at the end of September and even got a little cold, we were very pleased with our walks between giant sequoias and many new photos of these Californian giants.

We specifically bought tickets in advance for the flight so that we would be in Sequoia National Park on weekdays in the fall, when there were not so many people there, and all the schoolchildren returned to classes. And they turned out to be absolutely right, because we practically did not have to experience discomfort due to the large number of visitors to the park. The parking lots were always empty, and the trails were almost empty. And we also gained a lot of impressions from a frosty night with hoarfrost, and from a meeting with bears.

We saw a bear for the first time in Sequoia National Park

This time, we especially noted for ourselves the concern of Americans for their natural resources and the convenience of visiting them. Since Sequoia Park can only be accessed from the west and is not riddled with highways, this allows the best possible conservation beauty of untouched nature and its main treasure on the West Coast of the United States - sequoia trees. But convenient trails are equipped throughout the park, which allows you to see with your own eyes what you can only guess about in other countries.

A detailed study of the park can take months or even years. But if you come here for just one day, then in no case do not miss the opportunity to see General Sherman(General Sherman Tree) - the largest tree on planet Earth, as well as climb the Moro Rock observation deck, from which, in clear weather, the mountain ranges in the park are perfectly visible!

And yet, now we have seen from our own experience that, despite any vagaries of the weather and crowds of visitors, you can spend the night in Sequoia Park without any problems in one of campsites or lodges. True, you need to worry about this in advance.

In my opinion, Sequoia Park should definitely be included in yours by everyone who is not indifferent to nature walks and who wants to get to know the real America better. After all, there is nothing like it anywhere else on Earth!

Sequoia Park on the map

Legend:

• Blue dots - entrances to the park and visitor centers, as well as the nearest cities
• Green Dots - Attractions and Trails
• Orange dots - picnic area
• purple dots– hotels, lodges and campsites

So my story about the Sequoia National Park came to an end. But there are many more that will be useful to you in preparation for a self-guided trip to California. Have a great trip to the USA and best giant sequoia experiences, dear readers!

The park is best known for its giant sequoias, including the General Sherman tree.

(Eng. General Sherman tree), the largest tree on Earth. The General Sherman tree grows in
Giant Forest, which contains five of the ten largest
trees in the world in terms of timber volume. In addition, there are a number of other attractions in the Park. The most popular of them is Tunnel Log - a small car tunnel cut right in the middle of a giant sequoia that has fallen on the road.

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada, California. The area of ​​the park is 1635 sq km. It is known for the fact that on its territory there are the highest, giant sequoia trees. They got their name in honor of the leader of the Cherokee Sequoia Indians. The park has a mountainous terrain, rising from a height of about 400 m above sea level in the foothills, to the top of the highest in the neighboring 48 states, Mount Whitney, 4,421.1 m high. In addition to unique trees, the Park is also famous for its caves. There are about 250 of them here, one of which stretches for 32 kilometers in length. Only one cave is open for tourists - Crystal, the second largest in the Park.

The fossil specimens found give us an idea that sequoias existed in the Jurassic period and occupied vast territories in the Northern Hemisphere. Now they can only be found in California and Southern Oregon. Redwoods feel comfortable here because they love the moisture that sea fogs bring from the Pacific Ocean. Usually, giant sequoias reach a height of 100 m, up to 11 m in diameter. The average life expectancy of this huge living organism is 4 thousand years. The bark of the trees is thick, fibrous, not amenable to combustion. When touched, the palm seems to sink into the wood, creating unusual sensations.

Established in 1890 to protect forests formed by redwoods. Two types of sequoias grow here: giant and evergreen (mahogany). These are huge trees - more than 100 m in height and up to 10 m in girth, their age reaches 2-4 thousand years.

Sequoias - these giant trees, are represented by two species - evergreen sequoia and giant sequoia or mammoth tree. Their height reaches up to 100 meters, and the diameter is up to 10 meters. Sequoias are known for their age - a tree can live up to 4,000 years. The unique combination of age, size and weight of these trees makes them the largest living creatures on Earth today. And this is one of the few trees that has adapted to forest fires. The giant sequoia is second in life expectancy only to the bristlecone pines that are found in the arid mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

The park's most popular tree is the General Sherman tree, which is located in the Giant Forest. This is the largest tree in the world, whose height is 81 meters, the diameter at the base is about 32 meters, and its age is about 3 thousand years. The Forest of the Giants contains five of the ten largest trees in the world by volume. The forest is connected by the Generals Road to the Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, where another park attraction, the General Grant tree, is located.

Tunnel Log is a small car tunnel cut right in the middle of a giant sequoia that has fallen onto the road.

Sequoia National Park is also famous for its caves, the number of which reaches up to 250. The length of one of them is 32 kilometers in length. Crystal Cave is the second largest and the only one that is open to tourists. Sequoia National Park is attractive with mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls and high mountain meadows. The park is home to many species of animals, including the American elk, American black bear, white-tailed deer, coyote, lynx.

Sequoia National Park- the main repository of the giant sequoia, located east of Visalia, California. The park was founded in 1890 to protect the sequoia forests, which were under threat of destruction. The park borders Kings Canyon National Park. Both parks are managed by the US National Park Service as a single division - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoias - got their name in honor of the Indian leader of the Cherokee tribe.

Sequoias - these giant trees are represented by two species - the evergreen sequoia and the giant sequoiadendron or mammoth tree. Their height reaches up to 100 meters, and the diameter is up to 10 meters. Sequoias are known for their age - a tree can live up to 4,000 years. The unique combination of age, size and weight of these trees makes them the largest living creatures on Earth today. And this is one of the few trees that has adapted to forest fires. The giant sequoia is second in life expectancy only to the bristlecone pines that are found in the arid mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

These trees already existed in the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago, and then occupied large areas of the northern hemisphere.

a commentary from one of the tourists about the park.

Highway 180 leads to the western entrance to Sequoia Park. There were fruit and vegetable plantations all around. I especially remember the huge field of orange trees with ripened fruits (and this is in December!). The area is very beautiful, hilly and bright even in winter.

The road took everything up and up, the signs counted the height: 1000 feet, 2 thousand, 3 thousand ... To get to the giant redwoods, you had to climb the western slope of the Sierra Nevada at least 7 thousand feet (~ 2100 meters). This is the only place where sequoias feel comfortable and grow naturally. We drove through Kings Canyon NP adjacent to Sequoia Park ($10). And although these are two different national parks, they could easily be combined into one, and they are supported by the same staff.

Despite the proximity to Yosemite, the people in the "Sequoias" once, twice, and counted. It’s even a shame somehow for the park, because there are a lot of different curiosities in it. And of course, first of all, huge trees attract.

Can you imagine yourself as a midget trying to take in the immensity with his eyes? It was this feeling that visited us next to the giant tree we saw for the first time - the sequoia of General Grant (General Grant Tree). It is not visible from the road, oddly enough. Leaving the car in a completely empty parking lot, we set off along a short path to meet the giant. Here and there fluffy Christmas trees came across, wrapped in snow, like a warm blanket.

After a while we came to the fence, behind which stood something large and wooden. The gaze slid higher and higher along the surface of the tree until the head finally tilted back. It is hard to believe that there are such trees in nature, and even living for more than 2 thousand years. How did they do it?
The fact is that sequoia bark contains special chemicals that make the tree “invisible” and tasteless to insects and unsuitable for the growth of lichens and fungi. Even forest fires sequoias managed to use for their own good. Firstly, because of the same thick, tarred bark, sequoias do not burn. And also the flame contributes ... to the growth of these trees!
The average sequoia has about 2,000 cones, the size of a chicken egg, which can hang on a tree for up to 20 years. But during fires, hot air, rising up, causes the cones to open, whose seeds fall on good, burnt soil, and then germinate or are carried by forest dwellers in all directions. Thus, the fire not only clears the territory for young sequoias, but also promotes their reproduction. But even such cunning giants have a weak point - the root system. For some reason, sequoia roots do not go deep into the earth, but spread below the surface. Sometimes even a strong wind is enough to knock down a young, fragile tree.

After getting acquainted with the redwoods, we decided to drive a little more north to Lake Hume and admire the Royal Canyon. It was formed during the ice age, is a series of flat areas surrounded by high jagged rocks.

Lake Hume, as well as the village located on its shore, are no longer part of the national park, so there was a gas station there. But the prices are $2.09 per gallon! It may be normal for California, but we were shocked. We decided that we would not refuel, although there was only a third of the tank left, and gasoline is consumed at an incredible rate on mountain roads. By the way, I remember the price of #89 gasoline at 89 cents a gallon; such a funny coincidence was about three years ago. Eh... :)

The road outside the village to the north was closed, so we took a southerly direction along the beautiful, winding Generals highway to the village of Wuksachi village. This is a relatively new place in the park, the main feature of which is the “Wuksachi dining room” restaurant. Beautiful design, Christmas trees in the corners, real fireplaces, friendly staff - and the choice was made. Besides us, there was only one company in the restaurant, so the service shocked us with its swiftness :) The food was simple, without frills, but served on good porcelain dishes and decorated with fantasy. If you pass by, be sure to stop by, you won't regret it.
After a hearty meal, I fell asleep. Uh, no, we told ourselves, let's sleep at home, and go explore a part of the park called Giant Forrest (Giant Forest).

Such a wonderful definition came up with the researcher John Muir, after he accidentally stumbled upon a group of giant trees in the 19th century. The main highlight of the area is the General Sherman Tree. From the tablet at the foot of the tree, we learned that it is the largest creature currently living on Earth. Such a modest statement :) Most of all, the tree looks like a red-orange rock with a top lost somewhere high.

For some reason, I imagined sequoias with such a smooth, even slippery bark. In fact, it is very fleecy and warm even in winter. When touched, the palm seems to be slightly immersed in the wood, creating a very unusual sensation. It is hard to believe that you are touching a living being, 2700 years old. So many things happened in the world, but it grew quietly, and continues to this day. Every year, General Sherman's sequoia produces as much wood as would be enough for another 18-meter tree.

To loosen up our stiff muscles in the car, we decided to walk the 2-mile Big Trees trail around a circular meadow. In winter, of course, everything is covered with snow, it remains only to consider giant trees, their smaller counterparts covered with moss, dry plants, and traces of animals under them. All along the path there were stands with information about sequoias, what kind of soil they like, what climate they prefer, etc. In the winter forest you feel very calm, the nerves are put in order, and in addition, the air with the scent of pine needles has a beneficial effect on the lungs.

There are two more fun places in the Giant Forest: Tunnel Log and Auto Log. This is nothing but sequoias lying on the ground; You can drive through the first one by car, and just drive into the second one. I hope that such a description will somehow help to imagine the real size of these trees.
Evening came. Blue twilight filled everything around. To leave the park, you need to keep heading south along the Generalov Highway. If you look at the map, you will notice how curved the road is in this place. You will not have time to drive even 10 meters, as you need to change direction. Plus, there was traffic. Out of nowhere, on the sides of the road, old pickup trucks loaded with numerous Mexican families began to meet. Adults and children with joyful cries played snowballs and fooled around. One company made a snowman, loaded it into the back of a car, and took it away in an unknown direction :)
Trying to quickly pass such a noisy place, we accidentally found an excellent point for shooting the sunset. But while the equipment was being prepared, all that remained of it was a light reddish streak across the sky. Then it was decided to include dark silhouettes of trees in the composition, as a result of which the photograph began to resemble something Japanese.

This evening we had a long drive (280 miles) to the city of Big Pine, located on the 395th road between Sequoia and Death Valley parks. The fact is that Sequoia National Park is mostly wild and devoid of roads. If there was a highway right through King's Canyon, we could get to our destination in a little over an hour. But instead, I had to make a huge detour. In general, California still has work to do :)

We got to the hotel around midnight, tired but satisfied. Thus, to the left of us were sequoias, and to the right - still unexplored and mysterious place called "Valley of Death".

How to get there

84% of Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks are wilderness areas and no vehicles of any kind are allowed. There are no gas stations in the park. Mobile communication either does not work well or does not work at all.
Both roads leading into the park (highways 65 or 99) go from the west through the San Joaquin Valley and merge into Highway 198. They are open daily, all day, depending on the weather. From the east, there are no passes through the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
From the city of Visalia from May 21 to September 1, a bus runs 3 times a day. The cities of Fresno and Visalia have small airports. Distances from National Sequoia Park to: Visalia - 74 km (hour drive); Fresno - 122 km (1.5 h); Bakersfield - 183 km (2 hours); Isemitsky N.P. - 222 km (2 h 15 min); Los Angeles - 362 km (3 h 45 min); Oakland or Sacramento - 402 km (4.5); N.P. Death Valley - 515 km (6 h 15 min); Las Vegas - 644 km (6.5 hours).

Entertainment

Fishing (according to state law and with a license), hiking and camping are allowed on the territory of the park.

Infrastructure

Wuksachi Lodge (Delaware North Park Services) is located 37 km from the entrance to the park and 6.5 km from the Giant Forest. The complex includes a modern hotel with 102 rooms, a restaurant and a gift shop. Open all year round (may have road problems in winter). Luxury Mountain Resort is a hotel located in the park itself in the mountains.
The park has 14 campsites (more than 800 tent places): Lodgepole (214 places), Azalea and Potwisha (42 places) are open all year round; Sentinel and Copper Creek are open for daytime use only from Highway 180 on Cedar Grove; Atwell Mill (21 seats) open from June 2; Cold Springs (40 seats) open from June 9th. Lodgepole and Dorst Creek Campgrounds (204 sites) require advance booking (6 months in advance during peak season). Not all campsites allow oversized vehicles. See the photo gallery for the location of the campsites.
WARNING: The park is inhabited by black bears, so special food storage measures are required.

Currently, the evergreen sequoia grows only on a narrow strip of coastal land between the Klamath Mountains in Southern Oregon and Monterey Bay in Northern California, while the giant sequoia adorns the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The best examples of the evergreen sequoia grow in the Redwood National Park in the north of the California coast.

Fossil evidence suggests that these giant trees already existed in the Jurassic period, between 208 and 144 million years ago, and then occupied large areas in the northern hemisphere.

The forests of Sequoia and Redwood National Parks also boast a variety of animals, including moose, elk, American black bear, beaver, white-tailed deer and mule deer.

Native American Indian tribes have roamed the forests of this park since prehistoric times. The first inhabitants of this territory were the Mono Indian tribes.

Hale Harp became the first European settler to build a famous manor in the forest of giants from a fallen sequoiadendron. Today, his estate has been restored and is visited by park tourists.

Wow, very nice trees. It's a pity they don't grow in Murom.